Riyadh Air Completes First Passenger Flight from Riyadh to London

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has completed its maiden passenger flight. The inaugural service, RX401, departed Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 3:26 a.m. local time on October 26, 2025, and landed at London Heathrow (LHR) six hours and 48 minutes later.

The flight carried a select group of passengers, including Riyadh Air employees, Public Investment Fund (PIF) representatives, partners, and invited guests. The airline said its initial flights will continue to operate with limited passenger lists before seats are opened to the public.

Riyadh Air plans to eventually operate daily services between Riyadh and London as part of a wider network expansion strategy that targets 100 destinations within five years. The next new route is expected to be Dubai (DXB).

The London flight was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration HZ-RXX) leased from Oman Air. Riyadh Air has been using the aircraft since early 2025 for crew training and certification. It is separate from the carrier’s large aircraft orders, which include 39 firm Boeing 787-9 orders (plus 33 options), 60 Airbus A321neos, and up to 50 Airbus A350s.

The first new-build aircraft from these orders are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2025.

Riyadh Air received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in April 2025, allowing it to begin the phased rollout of commercial operations.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com

Tags: Aerotime

Riyadh Air Completes First Passenger Flight from Riyadh to London

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